Among Controversy, Colin Kaepernick Signed by Nike

In protest of Colin Kaepernick's appointment to the Nike campaign, critics have responded by burning Nike trainers and clothing leading to wonder how the brand's new advertising campaign will fare.

Colin Kaepernick, the quarterback, best known for taking a knee during the US national anthem against “racial injustice and police brutality” in the United States, has been appointed the face of a new Nike advertising campaign.

Even though there have been negative reactions by some to the campaign, others have applauded Nike for making Colin Kaepernick the face of its new campaign. Take Terence Moore at Forbes contributor who featured a story with the headline “Nike ‘Just Did It’ With Colin Kaepernick, And You Should Applaud” and expresses the positive reactions felt by many.

On September 3, Nike announced that Colin Kaepernick, the former NFL quarterback who is known for being the spark that ignited the NFL players’ protest during the National Anthem had been signed to a multiyear contract by Nike. Nike told the Wall Street Journal in an email “that Kaepernick is among a slate of athletes that the shoe and apparel maker — it has a reported billion-dollar deal to make NFL uniforms and other gear — will feature as it marks the 30th anniversary of its “Just Do It” campaign.” The 30th year anniversary also includes tennis star champion, Serena Williams. Williams tweeted

This campaign comes as the NFL is facing mounting criticism from the President and many fans over its handling of the players’ protests and also internal conflicts over Nike’s handling of which nearly a dozen executives left the company amid complaints of inappropriate workplace behavior. Nike has stated that it “opposes discrimination of any type and has a longstanding commitment to diversity and inclusion.”

NFL’s television ratings were down roughly 9% for the NFL preseason games. Kaepernick is also suing the NFL claiming that he has been “blackballed”.